Rai in Bhutan


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Other / Small (Kirati)
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* Data can be from various sources including official census, agencies, and local research. Data from these sources can sometimes differ even by orders of magnitude. Joshua Project attempts to present a conservative, balanced estimate.

Introduction / History

Collectively, the Rai are known as very courageous, daring, and fearless people. In recent history, they have won worldwide respect for their bravery in the Royal Nepalese Army. Joining the army is often a way out of enduring economic hardship. It also brings respect and honor, especially for those of high military rank.


Where Are they Located?

The Rai peoples are primarily in Nepal, but also in northern India and Bhutan.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Among the Rai, weddings are very festive occasions. Some marriages are facilitated by kongpi, or middlemen, who work out the details of the marriage. Gifts are presented to the families; and if accepted, a marriage date will be set. Other marriages are facilitated by the "arranged kidnapping" of the girl of one's choice. At the wedding, gifts are given to the parents of the bride and groom, as well as to a long line of family members and village elders. The sacrifice of an animal, usually a pig or rooster, may also be performed at this time. Meat and drinks are served in abundance. One favorite beverage is made from barley and potatoes. Often the whole night is spent in singing and celebration.


What Are Their Beliefs?

While the majority of Rai are Hindus, there are also a large number of animists who believe that non-human objects have spirits. In addition, they have been heavily influenced by Buddhism. This mixture has created a wide variety of gods and worship practices among them. These customs are most evident during such events as births, marriages, and deaths. The influence of Hinduism has led to many of the dead now being cremated instead of being buried.


What Are Their Needs?

The Rai people need ways to earn a living in such a way that they can afford higher education for their children.


Prayer Points

Ask God to call out prayer teams to break up the soil through worship and intercession.
Pray that the Lord of the harvest will raise up long-term laborers to live and work among the Rai people in Bhutan.
Ask the Holy Spirit to complete the work begun in the hearts of the few Rai believers through adequate discipleship.
Ask the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of Nepal's governmental leaders to the gospel.
Ask the Lord to raise up a triumphant church among the Rai for the glory of His name!


Scripture Prayers for the Rai in Bhutan.


References

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/17925/NP
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/17925/IN
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rai_people
http://www.greathimalayatrails.com/ght-about-nepal/rai-people/
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rai-people
https://www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=Rai%20people


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

People Name General Rai
People Name in Country Rai
Alternate Names Jimdar; Khambu; Kirat-Rai; Majhi Kirant; Manjh-Kirant; राई
Population this Country 3,900
Population all Countries 860,000
Total Countries 4
Indigenous No
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 17925
ROP3 Code 113409
Country Bhutan
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 36  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States on file 3
Largest States
Western
3,300
Eastern
400
Southern
200
Country Bhutan
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 36  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 3
  Western 3,300
  Eastern 400
  Southern 200
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Other / Small (Kirati)
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
1.73 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
12.81 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
85.47 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest Bhutan census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Assamese
Language Code asm   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 4
Secondary Languages
Bantawa Bengali Nepali
Primary Language Assamese
Language Code asm   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 4
Secondary Languages
  Bantawa
  Bengali
  Nepali
People Groups Speaking Assamese

Primary Language:  Assamese

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1822-1974)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1819-1993)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1833-2022)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings Online Audio Scripture Talking Bibles
Film / Video Following Jesus video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Indigitube.tv Video / Animation Create International
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Assamese Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Bible in text or audio or video South Asia Bibles
General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Four Spiritual Laws Cru
General Gospel website in this language General / Other
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app direct APK download SIL
Mobile App Android Bible app: Assamese YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible App: Assamese Bible (অসমীয়া বাইবেল) Indian Revised Version (IRV) Operation Agape
Mobile App Android Bible Radio app: Assamese Bible Radio Shalom Design S2dio
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Assamese YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Assamese Bible Kalaam Media Ltd
Text / Printed Matter Children and youth resources One Hope
Text / Printed Matter Christ for the Nations General / Other
Text / Printed Matter Jesus Messiah comic book General / Other
Text / Printed Matter Literacy primer for Assamese Literacy & Evangelism International
Text / Printed Matter Online New Testament (Bibles India) Operation Agape
Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
Photo Source Rai504089 - Wikimedia  Creative Commons 
Map Source People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Keith Carey 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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